Air New Zealand and Virgin Blue promise to increase trans-Tasman flights

Air New Zealand and Virgin Blue have promised the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) the introduce more than 300 flights p/a on trans-Tasman services under their proposed JV on the route (The Australian, 08-Dec-2010). Under their latest submission to the ACCC, the carriers stated they expect to increase frequency on six existing routes and launch new services through the alliance. This would result in an additional 97 frequencies p/a on the Adelaide-Auckland route, 47 on the Perth-Auckland route and 65 on the Gold Coast-Auckland route. ACCC is expected to make a final decision on the JV in the next two weeks. The commission previously decided against the alliance in its preliminary ruling, stating it would be detrimental to consumers. New Zealand's Ministry of Transport is also yet to make a final decision on the JV.

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